Rachel was probably more rusty than spent. Steven Crist had this to say on his most recent blog (The Pollyanna View) - As for Rachel Alexandra, she didn't look like quite the filly she was last year but her effort was hardly that of a sour or washed-up horse. At the top of the stretch I thought Zardana was going to slingshot past her and win by daylight, but Rachel fought back pretty nicely for a filly who hadn't been to the races in seven months to lose by less than a length. (If Zardana hadn't been entered and Rachel had won by the 11 1/2-length margin she had over third--place Unforgotten at the finish, it probably would have been off to the Apple Blossom, possibly as the favorite, off what might be being hailed as a brilliant return.)
Agree. Lookin At Lucky had every reason to go down in flames making dirt debut in needed outing. He overcame a less than ideal trip and showed wht he was voted 2yo champ.
Obviously disappointed that Rachel is not going in the Apple Blossom, but better that she passes because she is clearly not up to the task at this stage. As for Zenyatta, the phrase Freak of Nature comes to mind.
I would like to see Rachel-Zenyatta meet when both are peaking. Zen is grooving and Rachel is not all the way back. At this point in the year the Apple Blossom would be a mismatch.
Devils Humor looks like a nice long range prospect in the 3yo filly ranks. Well bred Asmussen trainee rolled to a sharp wire job debut tally at FG on March 13th, covering six panels in 1:10 and change.
I am looking for Drosselmeyer to go much better next time. He will have to, because he needs graded earnings and time is running out.
I think this is more media driven than anything. They keep asking the same tired questions, and it gets played over and over again in one forum after another. Guess we shouldn't complain because racing is actually getting covered nationally.
Clear Sailing is improving, versatile, 3 for 3 at FG, and she is capable of uncorking triple digit late pace figs. Has a fitness edge and will be finishing. That being said, any of Rachel's last 9 figs would get the job done.
Let's not jump the gun here. One race at a time. Rachel makes her seasonal bow in the New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds on March 13th.
Make Music For Me is no longer the richest maiden in the land. Nice score (blinkers on) in the $60k Pasadena at a flat mile on the turf at Santa Anita on March 6th. Already owns a nice chunk of graded cash for the Derby.
